Additionally, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, quarter-finalist Richie Hightower was cut from his contract. According to his agent, Ken Pavia, Hightower was released so that he could gain some more experience at his new weight class before he potentially returns to the UFC. Pavia and UFC matchmaker Joe Silva mutually agreed on the plan, Pavia reported in a recent MMAjunkie.com column.

The sixth season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which ran from September-December, featured 16 welterweight fighters, though unlike past seasons, many of the cast members had few (if any) professional fights.

Despite the large number of cuts, many of the show’s standouts have upcoming fights in the works. MMAjunkie.com previously reported that show runner-up Tommy Speer is expected to fight Anthony Johnson at UFC Fight Night 13 in April, and others — such as winner Mac Danzig, Matt Arroyo and George Sotiropoulos — expect to know their next fights soon.

For the latest rumored fights, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.